Treatments

Asthma Treatments

There is no cure for asthma, but avoiding triggers and taking long-term and quick-acting medications can help keep symptoms under control.

Lifestyle changes include:

  • Eliminating smoking from your home and workplace
  • Avoiding chemical fumes and fragrances
  • Identifying and treating your allergies
  • Keeping dust, pet dander, mold and mildew under control in your home
  • Using an air conditioner rather than opening windows
  • Protecting your lungs from extreme cold
  • Warming up before and cooling down after exercise
  • Controlling heartburn and GERD

Medications for asthma include:

  • Long-term control medications, such as:
    • Inhaled corticosteroids
    • Anti-inflammatories
    • Bronchodilators
    • Leukotriene modifiers
    • Anti-lgE
  • Short-term “rescue” medications, such as:
    • Beta2-agonists
    • Anticholinergics
    • Oral corticosteroids
  • Inhalation devices, such as:
    • Nebulizers
    • Dry powder disks

Treatments

  • Lifestyle and Behavioral Modifications
  • Medications

Related Resources

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Services at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage and Delnor Hospital (PDF)

Albuterol Brochure (PDF)

Metered Dose Inhaler (With a Spacer) (PDF)
Metered Dose Inhaler (With a Spacer) (PDF) (Spanish)

Metered Dose Inhaler (Without a Spacer) (PDF)
Metered Dose Inhaler (Without a Spacer) (PDF) (Spanish)

American Lung Association

Medline Plus: Asthma